LGBTQ+ HISTORY & San Francisco Night Ministry

Since 1964, San Francisco Night Ministry has been a friend and ally to the LGBTQA+ community. Many of our own ministers and volunteers are part of the queer community. Below is a timeline detailing some key events and programs, starting with present day:

TODAY – BUILDING HOPE
Faithful&Fabulous Minister, John Brett, serves in & alongside the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on the most vulnerable amongst us. Whether building community with trans Latinas in the Mission, hosting programs like Sacred Cup on queerness & spirituality, or tipping drag queens at the gay bars we’ve long visited, the SF Night Ministry & our friends remain both Faithful&Fabulous!

2010s – SECURING THE LEGACY
Night Minister Lyle Beckman, with the help of Rev. Don Fox, arranges for Jose Sarria’s funeral service to be held at Grace Cathedral, ensuring that Empress the First, the Widow Norton, one SF’s most notable queer leaders, receives the honor she’s due.

2000s – CASTRO PRESENCE
Assistant Night Minister Diana Wheeler begins a dedicated LGBTQ+ ministry with a focus on the streets of the Castro and accompaniment of the drag, Imperial, and Ducal Court communities. Later the ministry becomes Sacred Space, now renewed as Faithful&Fabulous! Across town, Deacon Vicki Gray begins serving at Open Cathedral–Civic Center, one of the first trans Episcopal Deacons in the country.

1990s – CONTINUING WITNESS
Night Minister Don Fox continues to officiate hundreds of memorials for those who have died of AIDS, especially for those whose families or communities will not claim their bodies. He also deepens the SF Night Ministry’s connection to the Imperial Court, giving the blessing at the annual Colma Pilgrimage to Emperor Norton’s grave. You might find him sipping a martini at Aunt Charlie’s.

1980s– AIDS MINISTRY
Night Minister Chuck Lewis visits Bay Area churches to preach inclusion of their gay & lesbian members. He reminds churches that they have gay members, many of whom are dying of AIDS. He confronts the church’s version of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” & leads churches to engage in hospice care. Rev. Lewis appears photographed in Bay Area newspapers taking an HIV test to destigmatize and normalize HIV testing.

1970s – LESBIAN HISTORY
Previously involved in organizing for the historic drag ball with members of the SF Night Ministry, Phyllis Lyon & Del Martin, SF & national leaders for lesbian rights, continue their friendship & support of the SF Night Ministry. Advising & giving their time and talents to our mission.

JANUARY 1, 1965 – HISTORIC DRAG BALL
Assistant Night Minister Chuck Lewis & Founding Care Line Coordinator Jo Chadwick support organizing for and also attend the New Year’s Ball at California Hall through their work with the Council on Religion & the Homosexual. The first public drag ball in SF, the event is raided by police and leads to police reforms to protect San Francisco’s queer community. Illegal at the time to appear in drag, when the dance was raided, Jo Chadwick smuggles photographic evidence out the door under police eye by hiding film rolls in her bra!

1964 – BAR MINISTRY
From the first nights of walking out in the City, Night Minister Don Stuart quickly befriends the LGBTQ Tavern Guild. Across the city in the safety of bars’ back rooms, queer bartenders refer queer underage youth and runaways to Pastor Don for care and counseling. He reassures them that they are loved & worthy and helps find them services. He later contributes to the founding of Larkin Street Youth Services.